2022 Hyundai Palisade vs 2023 Jeep Wrangler

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade stood as a flagship in Hyundai's SUV lineup, replacing the Santa Fe XL. It boasted an elegant and striking exterior design, shedding any past criticisms of being unimaginative. The Palisade featured distinctive lines, a prominent grille, and expressive LED lighting, giving it a signature look. Its design elements, such as the continuous strip of glass surfaces and pronounced taillights, added to its visual appeal. Inside, the Palisade offered a polished and near-luxury experience with high-quality materials, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and spacious seating arrangements, making it a worthy flagship for Hyundai.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler exuded a rugged, no-nonsense design with its brick-like appearance and iconic seven-slot grille. The Wrangler offered versatility with options for two-door or four-door models, and the ability to remove doors and fold down the windshield for an open-air experience. Its design was simple and functional, with features like wide fenders and old-school hood latches. The Wrangler's practicality extended to its interior, with easy-to-clean materials and a straightforward layout. The limited-edition "Reign" purple paint added a touch of flair to its otherwise utilitarian design.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine, equipped with gasoline direct injection and dual variable valve timing, offered a balance of power and efficiency. Despite not being a leader in fuel economy, with an estimated 11.1 litres per 100 kilometres combined, the Palisade delivered a smooth and responsive driving experience. Its four-wheel independent suspension and stabilizer bars contributed to its handling, while its towing capacity of up to 2,267 kilograms made it versatile for family use.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered a range of engine options to suit different off-road needs. The standard Pentastar V6 engine delivered 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder offered 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. For torque enthusiasts, the 3.0-litre Ecodiesel V6 provided 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. The Wrangler Rubicon 392, with its 6.4-litre V8 engine, boasted 470 horsepower and torque, making it a powerhouse for off-road adventures. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid offered an eco-friendly option with 35 kilometres of all-electric range. However, the 392 model's brakes and steering were noted as areas needing improvement for on-road performance.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space and functionality. It offered comfortable seating across three rows, with ample legroom and headroom. The third row provided easy access and cupholders, while the second-row captain's chairs added comfort. The Palisade's cargo space was impressive, with 509 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,297 litres with the third row folded, and a cavernous 2,447 litres with both rows down. The shift-by-wire gear selector and logically placed controls enhanced the driving experience. Features like a dual-panel sunroof, heated and ventilated seats, and premium Nappa leather upholstery added to its appeal.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler, while offering comfortable front seats, had limited rear seat space, especially in the four-door models. Storage for small items was minimal, with a flat dash and small glove box and centre console. The Wrangler's cargo space measured 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded, slightly less than its competitor. The Wrangler's removable hard and soft tops provided versatility for open-air driving, with options like the Sky One-Touch power soft top for convenience. Charging points were plentiful, with USB ports and 12-volt outlets throughout the cabin.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade showcased Hyundai's technological prowess with a standard display audio system and a 1920 x 720 colour touchscreen. The Harman Kardon premium audio system with 12 speakers and Clari-Fi music restoration technology enhanced the audio experience. The infotainment system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and satellite radio. The Palisade featured multiple USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and a head-up display on higher trims. Hyundai's Blue Link connected car system offered remote engine start and vehicle monitoring, while the digital instrument cluster integrated with turn signals and blind-spot cameras.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler featured a 7-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect infotainment system, with an optional 8.4-inch screen. While initially appearing complex, Uconnect offered intuitive access to features like off-road pages, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Wrangler's tech was practical, with a forward-facing camera for off-road trails and auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories. However, it lacked advanced features like a digital key or over-the-air updates for vehicle performance.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade earned a strong safety reputation with a comprehensive list of passive and active features. It included seven airbags, three-point seat belts, LATCH anchors, and active head restraints. Standard active safety features encompassed anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance, and forward collision-avoidance assist. The Palisade received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's safety features were less comprehensive, with standard components like a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Advanced features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control were standard only on higher trims or part of an option package. The Wrangler received mixed safety ratings, with some trims earning Poor rankings for headlights. The NHTSA awarded it four stars for frontal crash tests and three stars for rollover ratings.